Eve Muirhead is confident ahead of appearance at this weeks European Playdowns

The Euro Play-downs, which determine what Scottish team will represent the nation at the European Championships this year, take place at Perth’s Dewars Centre from Wednesday, October 12 to Sunday, October 16

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Eve Muirhead heads into the European Playdowns in Perth this week with confidence after picking up her first win of the season.

The Blair Atholl-based skip guided her squad of Kelly Schafer, Vicki Adams and Lauren Gray to the title at the Women’s Masters in Basel, Switzerland, defeating Swedes Team Sigfridsson.

After conceding a two at the opening end of the final, the Scots levelled at the third and, after going one behind at the next, took charge with a five at the fifth end.

And while the showdown was tightened up going into the last end, Muirhead calmly delivered the final shot to secure victory.

“The weekend in Basel especially showed our grit and determination as a team to keep going and not give up,” Muirhead said after the win.

“We battled through the C road with lots of games and really brought our A game to the play-offs which is crucial.

“I’m delighted to win this event, the first Scottish team to do so and it brings us great confidence moving in to next weekend.”

It was the third final Team Muirhead had reached in the four tournaments they’ve participated in so far this season.

The Swiss form included a semi-final win over fellow Scottish rink Team Fleming, who Muirhead and co are set to face in Perth this coming week.

The Euro Play-downs, which determine what Scottish team will represent the nation at the European Championships this year, take place at Perth’s Dewars Centre from Wednesday, October 12 to Sunday, October 16.

“To get the chance to represent your country, in your home country, is a dream come true,” Muirhead said. “Hopefully we can get as many people along supporting us (Team Scotland) and that’ll make it even better.”

In the men’s event Perthshire rink Team Smith, who won the event last year, return with hopes of further national recognition.

They are up against Team Murdoch and Team Brewster.

Skip Kyle, from Guildtown, said: “It’s not hard to get enthusiastic about representing your country.

“But when it’s so close to home you obviously get a lot more support so I suppose it does give you a wee bit extra motivation.”